BRIDGES TO WORK (B2W)
Background
Since 1999 the Bridges to Work (B2W) project has targeted 16 – 18 year olds who have left school with no qualifications. The programme aims to prevent young people from entering the benefit trap.
The project initially developed a range of activities for young people to participate in, and provided an incentive of £50 a week training allowance for their attendance. The activities were based around confidence building and motivation.
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Stained Glass Making |
Kayaking |
Mechanics |
Ceramics |
Today the Bridges to Work programme looks very different. Due to its success, monies were secured in 2005 to develop an enhanced work programme. By working with local agencies and partners the project secured £1.2 million to develop a team and enhance the provision for 2005 to 2008.
The current Project staff consist of the following:
- Project Co-ordinator
- 2 Support Workers
- Work preparation Co-ordinator
- Employment Officer
There is a vast range of activities and the programme is tailored to the needs of the individual.
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Canoeing |
Retail Training |
Mechanics |
Plastering |
Through this range of activities young people come to believe in their own abilities, proving that young people who leave school with little or no qualifications can achieve qualifications after leaving school. More importantly they can sustain suitable employment or move onto other positive outcomes.
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I.T. Skills |
Hair & Beauty |
Plumbing |
Painting and Decorating |
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Tall Ships Experience |
Bricklaying |
Abseiling |
Work Experience
with MTCBC |
The project relies on partnership working. Key partners include:
- Youth Offending team
- Youth Inclusion Project
- Social Services Looked after children
- Barnardo’s
- Schools
- Pupil Referral Unit
- Education Welfare
- 3 G’s Development Trust
- Options programme
- Careers Wales
- Young People’s Partnership
- Safer Merthyr Tydfil Take 2 (for mentoring)
There are currently 18 young people on the programme, which is expected to increase to 25 by the end of August 2007.
Over the last two years 72 young people have been referred onto the B2W programme. Of this 52 have been young people who are harder to engage, on the Employability.
2005-2007:
Bridges to Work (B2W) Employability
Job outcomes 39% 22%
Other positive
outcomes 27% 27%
66% 49%
We are currently exploring options for further funding to be able to sustain the B2W/Employability project beyond March 2008.
For further information please contact:
The Bridges to Work Co-ordinator
17 – 20 Pen y Dre
Gurnos
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 9DY
Tel 01685 727379